Who We Are
The men of BMI represent a collective of community leaders, fathers...
MISSION
The Black Male Initiative Georgia seeks to create and promote the positive narrative about Black men in our homes, communities & abroad by highlighting the outstanding work of Black Men. BMIGA seeks to create effective outcomes for our communities by empowering black men economically and civically through the use of direct action, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. In doing so, we will be able to achieve our vision of a healthy, just, and equitable society.
Honoring
DR. KEITH JENNINGS
Education Pillar Co-Chair
A human rights and democratic development specialist. He served as President and CEO of the African American Center on Global Politics and Human Rights (CHR) based in Atlanta, Georgia. In that capacity, he set overall direction and strategy for the organization and was responsible for guiding and coordinating the implementation of CHR’s Strategic Plan, and for measuring success against its goals. He was also the senior strategist responsible for developing programs and campaigns aligned with CHR’s mission, which address domestic and international concerns.
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CHR functions as a think tank and campaign clearing house on global political issues and human rights concerns for the African American community. CHR is especially focused on global political issues and human rights challenges affect- ing people of African descent throughout the Americas.
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Dr. Jennings possessed over 25 years of international and domestic experience in promoting democratic development and respect for international human rights standards. He traveled extensively, to more than 70 countries on five continents. He participated in and spoken at international forums and conferences sponsored by the African Union (AU), the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations (UN).
JOHN R. TAYLOR III
CO-FOUNDER @
BMI GEORGIA
Black Male Initiative Georgia Co-Chair
Born in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Tuskegee University where he received degrees in Political Science & History as well as minors in Interna-
tional Affairs & African Studies. He moved to Atlanta in 2001.
John has worked with SEIU since 2003. Over his 16+ years with SEIU he has continued to work on various campaigns and initiatives including developing a model for integrating student and youth affiliates directly into labor organizing. Most recently he has
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worked as the National Field Director of SEIU’s Property Services Division. His work focuses on worker engagement, staff development, organizational equity & incorporating the divisions strategic vision into their overall field campaigns.
Under the mentorship of Rev. James Orange and Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery, John has served as a co-chairperson of the Martin Luther King Jr. March Committee since 2001.
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As a part of his work with GCPA & Black Youth Vote!, he developed and implemented national voter registration and GOTV initiatives. Since the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 John has been a standing member of the African-African
American Renaissance Delegation led by Rev. James Orange (posthumously).
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Now serving as a co-chair of Black Male Initiative, John works with his fellow co-chairs to advance the work of their 5 principle pillars.
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In addition, John serves as board chair for the Center for Third World Organizing (CTWO) & on the SEIU Education Support Fund (ESF).
Most importantly, John is a poet, a dedicated husband, a devoted father & a committed
advocate for creating equity, sustainability and empowerment in communities of color
and has a deep passion for black people, their lives & families.
LYNDON WALLER
CO-FOUNDER @
BMI GEORGIA
Civic Engagement Pillar Co-Chair
Programs Director for the Coalition for the Peoples' Agenda. Starting with the organization in 2013, Lyndon now leads their voter registration, GOTV campaigns and serving as the Election Protection Grassroots coordinator for Metro Atlanta.
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Lyndon believes that all citizens should not only have their rights to the ballot protected, but we all have the responsibility to utilize said rights to ensure that the electorate reflects all of our interests.
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Lyndon is a graduate of Georgia Southern University, receiving his BA in Political Science with a minor in Africana Studies and he received his Master's of Public Administration from Troy University.
DAVID K. WILSON
TECHNOLOGIST
Education Co-Chair
Social Media/Digital Data Chair
David is a native Atlantan and a seasoned Information Technology Consultant bringing 20+ years of experience to BMI. He believes that technology is a transformative tool that should be available to all regardless of race or socioeconomic
background.
During the day, David works as a IT Business Analyst at a major Metro Atlanta firm implementing Manufacturing and Supply Chain IT solutions for facilities across the world. He takes what he has learned to help organizations and communities in
need to help shrink the gap in the digital divide.
REGGIE ABRAHAM
CIVIC LEADER
Civic Engagement Co-Chair
Reggie has worked to help build relationships with community-focused organizations, from national and multi-state non-profits to non-partisan coalitions and individuals. During the 2020 election cycle, he managed 8 organizers across 4 states (Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Nevada) who worked to increase both self-response rates for the 2020 Census and non-partisan voter participation.
For years, Reggie has worked with community leaders to help encourage people to be civically engaged and empower them with the knowledge and skills to organize themselves to take action. He is originally from Orangeburg, SC.
MICHAEL CARSON JR.
SERVANT LEADER. ADVOCATE
Criminal Justice Pillar Co-Chair
Is a servant leader, advocate, talk show commentator/podcaster, and
author who has conducted empowerment lectures and workshops for more than 20 years on topics such as youth and adult development, criminal justice, leadership, mentoring, and conflict resolution, among others.
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He is the founder of Image Builders, LLC (formerly Image Builders Outreach, a 501(c)(3) Illinois nonprofit organization). The organization has a long history of addressing the needs of underserved communities in
the areas of self-improvement, poverty and criminal justice.
Michael served as the Co-Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion team for a prominent worldwide nonprofit organization. He currently serves as a member of a Community Restorative Justice Board and an advisory council member for a local juvenile justice organization.
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Michael holds degrees in Criminal Justice, Sociology/Political Science, and Organizational Management and Leadership and have worked as a legal professional for over 25 years.
El-MAHDI HOLLY
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
FOR DISTRICT 111
Education Pillar Co-Chair
El-Mahdi Holly has proudly called Henry County home since 2003. Raised in Georgia by his father, a Christian minister and businessman, and his mother, a local college professor, El- Mahdi was taught the importance of serving his community at a very early age. After being awarded the National Youth Service Award from President Bill Clinton for his efforts mentoring young teens, El-Mahdi pursued and received a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College. He went on to earn a Masters of Public Administration from University of West Georgia, with a specialized concentration in strategic planning and management
El-Mahdi Holly has proudly called Henry County home since 2003. Raised in Georgia by his father, a Christian minister and businessman, and his mother, a local college professor, El- Mahdi was taught the importance of serving his community at a very early age. After being awarded the National Youth Service Award from President Bill Clinton for his efforts mentoring young teens, El-Mahdi pursued and received a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College. He went on to earn a Masters of Public Administration from University of West Georgia, with a specialized concentration in strategic planning and management
DR. CLINTON CARTER
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Health & Wellness Pillar Co-Chair
A board certified in emergency medicine and has over 30 years of emergency medicine and urgent care practice, and management experi- ence. He has had direct experience with medical management as an assistant director of an emergency medicine physician group and as part owner of anoth- er emergency medicine physician group. In these roles he garnered experience in overseeing standards of care, patient service, and quality improvements and innovation in various hospital emergency departments.
Dr. Carter has through his life and his career focused on improving the health and well being of the community through his work and networking.
Practicing and working as an administer in Emergency Rooms, Urgent Care Centers, Occupational Medicine Clinics and Wellness Clinics in multiple hospitals and clinics in Washington, DC and Metro Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Carter has gained a genuine perspective in episodic and acute care. This perspective has put him in distinctively unique, hands on position of knowing the upside and failures of the medical system for our community.
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He joined BMI to expand this focus and continue this effort to fortify our community by combing with like-minded African American men with different areas of expertise as they promote and secure our foundation in society.
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He is inspired by quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr including: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”
KEN BURWELL
CHAIRMAN OF A.R.M ADVISORY COUNCIL
Economic Empowerment Pillar Co-Chair
The Chairman of the A.R.M. Advisory Council. Ken is a native of Long Island, New York, a proud Mason, and a Veteran of the United States Navy. He is a passionate leader with more than 30 years of experience in corporate security and protections. Ken has vast knowledge in economic communications and development along with a background in operations and finance.
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Ken is a local business owner serving the Atlanta community and serves as the Direc- tor of the BNI Atlanta Chapter. Additionally, Ken has partnerships with several non- profit organizations where he builds team approaches to address community issues with a focus on youth and children. He serves tirelessly coordinating and participating in events that benefit those in the most need in our communities including placing in a 2015 5k run to benefit homeless students.
ERNIE ANDERSON JR.
CO-FOUNDER OF ANDERSON
PARKING
Economic Empowerment Pillar Co-Chair
Began his career as a personal intern for longtime TV personality, Regis Philbin, overseeing his logistics and on-site activities. Ernie then interned at NASA in the Business Development and Partnerships Office before interning with the White House in the Office of Presidential Correspondence. After working as a Field Organizer for President Obama's reelection campaign in Florida, Ernie moved to New York to join the External Relations department with the New York State Legislature serving as a liaison between the
central Democratic Confer- ence and marginal Upstate New York members. Ernie then joined the White House as an Advance Associate - traveling extensively throughout the United States setting up military intelligence, White House Communications, Secret Service, and logis- tics for high-level events and speeches.
Ernie is the Co-Founder of Anderson Parking, a full-service parking and garage management company. Anderson Parking employes 17 Valets and other front-line staff at its two managed properties - a residential high-rise condominium in the Buckhead community and a 24-hour full-service Hotel in Perimeter.
Ernie is a graduate of Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Minor in African-American Studies, and a Certified Parking Professional (CPP) within the National Parking Association.
HANK STEWART
PUBLISHED WRITER
Convener
Our Convener, is fiercely committed to social justice, youth & our community. He is a published writer who has been called a catalyst for action and a messenger of hope, considers spirituality, history and love as his major influences for delving into the world of literature. "My (life) experiences have had a great influence on the poetry... Poetry has helped me to deal with many issues," says Hank, who released his first book titled, "The Answer" in 1993.
"The Answer", a collection of poetry, which expressed the issues of love, unity and religion, uniquely introduced Stewart as a conscious writer among a culture of literary enthusiast. Shortly thereafter, Hank followed up his first work with a second book fittingly
H. DREW ANDREWS
CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST
Criminal Justice Pillar Co-Chair
A Community Development Consultant and Civil Rights Activist speaking out against voter suppression, wage stagnation, poor healthcare and seeks criminal justice reform. He is the Criminal Justice Co-Chair for the Black Male Initiative.
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Drew is a retired veteran, having served in the Army for 21 years. During his service, he partic- ipated in many humanitarian missions helping underdeveloped countries around the world with healthcare and community development.
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He is on the Board of Directors for several organizations such as, Clayton County Economic Development Authority, Atlanta/Fulton County Pre-Arrest Diversion Initiative, and Friends of Clayton County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
Drew is a graduate of Wayland Baptist University with a degree in Healthcare Administration and nursing education. He also has a MBA from Clark Atlanta University. He is a loving father to Cory, Jordan, Torayn and Kayla; and a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Inc.
titled, "Second Chance" which was written to reveal the Savior to lost souls and to rejuvenate the Christian experience. In 1996, Hank wrote his third book, "Be Still and Know..." a religiously conscious collection of works focusing on the power of prayer and the importance of spiritual guidance. Hank collaborated with Kendra Norman-Bellamy to craft the nationally pub- lished Three Fifty-Seven A.M. novel in 2007, which is loosely based on the popu- lar romantic poem 357. It is a dramatic and inspirational tale of love, betrayal, forgiveness and power of prayer.
A devoted Christian, Hank believes that a firm spiritual guidance can help an individual remain true to the mission of life and success. Therefore, he incorpo- rates this belief in his poetry by encouraging people to move to new emotional heights and spiritual levels.